The executives of Cleveland, Tenn. based Century Park Associates would have been proud — perhaps more so than ever — of what went on last Thursday at their prized property located off Cherry Hill Avenue in Johnston.
Withy famed disc jockey “Eddie the Fixer” providing a magical musical backdrop that residents even danced to with their walkers, Executive Director Maryann Grace and the super special staff of The Bridge at Cherry Hill hosted a fun and food-filled gala to commemorate the Grand Reopening/25th Anniversary of the highly-acclaimed retirement facility and nursing home.
“What a great, great party!” exclaimed Linda Folcarelli, the District 1 Town Council resident who has developed many relationships with the residents through her now three-year coordination with the JPD’s Walk with Cops program. “There is plenty of fine food here and it’s obvious the people who work here are very attentive to each and every resident.”
To which Grace added: “I would like a big shout out to Heather Northup, our Lifestyles Director, and the entire staff for putting this event together. The weather was beautiful and the smiles on the faces for being able to finally be out was priceless.”
Grace also heaped words of praise upon Marvin Carter, The Bridge’s Culinary Director — a.k.a. extraordinary executive chef — saying: “As always he didn’t miss a beat with the wonderful appetizers he made especially for this occasion.”
Carter created a menu that included an endless serving of lobster fritters, crab rangoons, potato and bacon logs, spanakopita (spinach pie), stuffed mushrooms, corned beef eggrolls, beef wellington’s bacon cheeseburger sliders, bacon wrapped chicken and mini chicken parmesan bites.
Add to that Sales/Community Relations dynamo Cullen McKain and Dining Room Hostess Ann Marie Cardilli spreading joy and goodwill as well as even making sure residents and guests had plenty of food, the event included a special raffle for residents only, lawn games, horseshoes and the now popular cornhole contests.
Meanwhile, as McKain noted: “This was special; we had families of residents turn out along with local medical professionals, town officials, media and members of our local community. A special THANK YOU to our valuable First Responders — Johnston Police — for sending a special detail that further enhanced this party.”
“The people here really go all out to host a special party no matter what the occasion,” offered Johnston Police Capt. Troy Maddocks, who led the delegation that included Patrolmen Anthony St. Laurent and Nicholas Manocchio. “Like Cullen (McKain) said: ‘As the evening was coming to an end, no one was ready for the festivities to end and are all looking forward to the next event to begin.’”
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